Information Security Oversight Office

The Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) oversees the security classification programs in both Government and industry and reports to the President annually on their status. Executive orders 12829 and 12958 serve as the authority for ISOO, and the Office receives its policy and program guidance from the National Security Council. An organizational component of the National Archives and Records Administration, ISOO's goals are to hold classification activity to the minimum necessary to protect the national security; to ensure the safeguarding of classified national security information in both Government and industry in a cost-effective and efficient manner; and to promote declassification and public access to information as soon as national security considerations permit.